Martin Rivero, a Colorado Rapids’ high-profile offseason acquisition, on Monday finally received the international paperwork making him eligible to play in the United States, club president Tim Hinchey said.

Rivero’s clearance comes one day after Colorado was dominated by the New York Red Bulls in a 4-1 blowout road loss.

But the AFA balked at the Rapids’ request, and the team appealed to FIFA, the international governing board for soccer.

FIFA on Monday faxed a signed ITC from Switzerland to the U.S., making Rivero eligible. The move superseded the AFA, which never did sign the form, according to the Rapids.

“Rivero’s ITC is here, finally,” Hinchey said on Twitter. “Interesting timing, one day after NY match maybe? Can’t wait to see him Sunday at Dick’s.”

Rivero’s debut likely will come Sunday when the Rapids (2-1) return home to face Chicago (1-0-1). And he’ll be needed.

In their third game this season, against New York, the Rapids was without two veteran midfielders — Pablo Mastroeni (concussion) and Jeff Larentowicz (red card suspension). It left the Rapids’ midfield thin, as reserves Wells Thompson and Ross LaBauex were inserted in the starting lineup.

covers baseball and the Rockies and all sorts of sports. He started working at The Denver Post while in high school before graduating from the University of Colorado. Reach him at ngroke@denverpost.com

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